Saturday, July 23, 2011

Rumor Mill: Don't Rule Out Rangers Trade For Beltran... Just yet.

The Mets and Rangers have ramped up scouting each other, and Texas remains very much in play in the pursuit of Carlos Beltran, according to a major league source.

While the Rangers have a scout watching Beltran in Miami, who is expected to continue on watching the Mets during the next stop in Cincinnati, a source indicated the Mets have ramped up watching Rangers minor leaguers. Mets scout Bryan Lambe is watching Texas low-Class A players at Hickory after being redirected.

Texas has zeroed in on Beltran and Padres closer Heath Bell as its primary targets, according to a source.

The Braves continue to actively scout the Mets, with Atlanta special assistant Jim Fregosi tailing the major league club. The Phillies, Giants and Red Sox also are considered in play for Beltran.